Unlocking Efficiency: The Ultimate Guide to “Select All” in Google Docs [7 Methods Shared]

Last updated on August 25, 2023

Summary :

Boost your work efficiency in Google Docs by utilizing the “Select All” feature to copy entire content and make adjustments such as line spacing, font, color, and more. This page offers 7 methods for selecting all in Google Docs, along with answers to common questions you may have.

Select All in Google Docs

We can select all the content including images, links, tables, and so on by dragging over the mouse. However, for longer pages, this method is inconvenient and time-consuming.

Fortunately, there are simpler ways to select all with just a few clicks. Continue reading to discover the solutions.

How to Select All in Google Docs on PC and Mac

Whether you are a Windows user or a Mac user, the process of selecting all in Google Docs remains the same. Simply search for Google Drive in your browser, log in to your Gmail account, and enter Google Docs.

So the Select All function in Google Docs operates similarly on both platforms, with only minor differences due to button settings. (Specific steps and differences will be provided below.)

Method 1. Find the “Select All” in the Toolbar

Once you are in Google Docs, go to the Edit drop-down menu and click on the Select all option.

Click the Select All Button

Click the Select All Button

There are many options for you to operate on the selected content. Right-click the mouse, you can cut, copy, paste (with or without formatting), delete, and clear the formatting of the highlighted texts in blue.

Additionally, you can add comments, suggestions, emoji reactions, links, and more in Google Docs.

Options to Customize the Content

Options to Customize the Content

Method 2. Use Shortcut: Ctrl/Command + A

If you’re pressed for time, shortcuts are a better choice. In fact, you can quickly select all in Google Docs with just two fingers.

Press Ctrl + A if you are a Windows User and for Mac Users you can press Command + A to select all in Google Docs.

Press Ctrl/Command + A

Press Ctrl/Command + A

Method 3. Press Ctrl + Shift + Home/End

Ctrl/Command + A allows you to select all at once. And for another Shorcut, it not only can support you to select all but also let you select any part of the content.

Firstly, put the cursor at the beginning of the text you desired to start. Then press Ctrl, Shift, and End on the keyboard at the same time.

Or put the cursor on the end of the text and press Ctrl, Shift, and Home on the keyboard at the same time.

Select the Area Personally

Select the Area Personally

How to Select All in Google Docs on iPhone and iPad

Mobile phones and tablets are more portable compared to computers. You can download the Google Docs application from App Store. So there may be some differences of select all from PC.

Step 1. Open A Document in Google Docs App

Install the Google Docs App on your iPhone > Fire up it > Log in to your account > Open or create a document in Google Docs.

Open A File in Google Docs App

Open A File in Google Docs App

Step 2. Click Select All in the Pop-up Window

Tap anywhere in the document > Hold your finger until a pop-up appears > Select the Select All option. This will highlight all the content in blue.

Select All in Google Docs App

Select All in Google Docs App

For iPads, you can choose any of the previously mentioned methods to select all in Google Docs. This is because iPads offer the flexibility to access Google Docs through web browsers as well as through downloaded apps.

How to Select All in Google Docs: More Methods

In addition to the methods mentioned above, we have discovered three other useful techniques for selecting text or all targeted content through trial and research. These methods are listed below for your reference.

Method 1. Press Shift and Right/Down Arrow

Step 1. Put the blinking cursor at the beginning of the page.

Step 2. Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard. To complete the selection, tap on the right arrow or down arrow to move.

Select All with Shift Key

Select All with Shift Key

Method 2. Select All Matching Text

Step 1. Select the word, sentence, or paragraph by mouse. The selected area will be in blue.

Step 2. Right-click the mouse > Scroll on Format options > Click Select all matching text.

Select and Cover All Matching Text in the Same Format

Select and Cover All Matching Text in the Same Format

Method 3. Press Shift and Click the Mouse

If you prefer not to release your mouse while selecting all in Google Docs, you can use it in combination with the Shift key:

Position the blinking cursor at the first word > Press and hold the Shift key > Scroll through the article > Click at the end to select all the content.

Use Shift Key and Mouse to Select All

Use Shift Key and Mouse to Select All

If you don’t have much time to read the article, there is a video available for you to refer to.

FAQs

How To Select All in Word?

To quickly select all in Word, you can utilize keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl + A for Windows or Command + A for Mac.

How To Select Text in Google Docs on iPad?

The operation on the iPad and computer is similar. Logging into your Gmail mailbox > Open a document > Navigate to the “Edit” drop-down menu > Select the “Select all” button.

How Do You Select Multiple Documents in Google Drive?

Follow the few steps below to select multiple files in Google Drive. Enter Google Drive > Log in Gmail Account > Press “Ctrl” and left-click the mouse to choose multiple documents.

How Do I Select All Images in Google Docs?

Google Docs doesn’t support selecting all images. But you can select multiple images with the following steps: Click Insert > Drawing > New > Image > Upload > Choose an image to upload > Upload from computer > Repeat this process to upload more images > Press Ctrl and click the multiple images > Right-click the mouse > Choose Group.

Conclusion

This article presents 7 highly convenient methods for selecting all in Google Docs. You can find one that suits you definitely compatible with your Windows, Mac, iPhone, or iPad. We hope this article proves to be valuable to you!

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